Computer Science

Students majoring in Computer Science (CS) learn to understand and evaluate the organization, design, and construction of hardware and software systems for computing. Additionally, they attain a level of mathematical ability allowing them to formally abstract and analyze computational processes. They analyze problems that require computation to answer, and design and implement solutions that are efficient and effective.

The major in Computer Science requires a total of fifteen 4-credit courses, all completed with a grade of C or higher.

CS students are expected to be comfortable with standard high school mathematics as a well as calculus at a level equivalent to completion of CAS MA 123.

The 15 courses required for the major are divided into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Students must take all courses in Group A, at least 2 courses from Group B, at least 2 courses from Group C, and a total of 15 courses from Groups A–D.

Group A: Foundational Courses  

These courses build essential foundations for the study of CS. Students must take all five.

• CAS CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science 1
• CAS CS 112 Introduction to Computer Science 2
• CAS CS 131 Combinatoric Structures
• CAS CS 210 Computer Systems
• CAS CS 330 Introduction to the Analysis of Algorithms

Group B: Formal Tools

These courses provide training in basic algorithms and formal methods. Students must take at least two from this group.

• CAS CS 132 Geometrical Algorithms
• CAS CS 235 Algebraic Algorithms
• CAS CS 237 Probability in Computing

Group C: Central Topics

These courses are more advanced than Groups A and B, and cover broadly important subfields of CS. Students must take at least two from this group.

• CAS CS 320 Concepts of Programming Languages
• CAS CS 332 Elements in the Theory of Computation
• CAS CS 350 Fundamentals of Computing Systems

Group D: Electives

• All CAS CS courses at the 400 and 500 levels

The list of prerequisites or co-requisites for a CS course may contain a CS course “X” with a non-CS alternative “Y.” In such a case, course “Y” may be counted toward the major instead of course “X.”

In special cases, a student, with consent of the instructor, may petition the Undergraduate Director to count courses other than those specified above. Attention is called to the following: GRS CS courses numbered 600 and above; 500-level courses in Mathematics & Statistics (CAS MA); and Computer Engineering courses offered by the College of Engineering (ENG).

CAS CS major credit will not be given for Metropolitan College (MET) courses.

Requirements

• You are eligible to apply for admission to Boston University as an international undergraduate student if you’ve completed the equivalent of a United States secondary school education (approximately 12 years of formal education starting at age six) or are a GED recipient or completed a secondary school equivalency exam. You must have either an appropriate diploma or leaving certificates.
• Secondary School Records
• Final Year Grades
• Internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT):Students who are most competitive for admission will have a composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section. 
• In lieu of the TOEFL exam, you may submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 7 or higher will also satisfy BU’s English Language proficiency requirement for all programs.
• The completed Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support form
• Passport Photocopy

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Trustee Scholarship
• Presidential Scholarship
• Need-Based Financial Aid Policy for International Students